Let’s be real — one of the greatest workout motivators is new gear. Whether you’re constantly eyeing activewear leggings or you’re open to splurging on all kinds of workout clothes, the thrill of fresh fitness gear is hard to resist. And since we’re instigators when it comes to shopping (sorry), we can’t help but suggest a new addition to your gym collection: a gym bag. If it’s been a while since you last purchased one, you might be pleasantly surprised by the advanced features modern gym bags offer: dedicated compartments for sweaty sneakers, zippered pockets designed for wet or damp items, USB ports, and the list goes on.
One of our favorite places to shop for new gym bags is Amazon. The digital retailer has options for everyone, whether you’re hitting the gym, a Club Pilates class, the pickleball court, or the pool to swim laps. It offers duffel bags, drawstring bags, backpacks, and everything in between, plus options in every color and size. Above all, there are countless options that won’t break the bank. Ahead, we rounded up 15 of our favorite gym bags from Amazon that’ll make you want to get your sweat on, stat — and they’re all under $50.
Athletico Mesh Swim Bag ($15, originally $30)
This one’s for all you lap swimmers. It’s got both wet and dry compartments, so you don’t have to worry about them mixing and ending up with extra laundry.
HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag ($17, originally $30)
This large-capacity duffel bag takes the number one spot on Amazon’s list of bestselling gym bags. What makes it so highly coveted is that it’s highly versatile. Shoppers love to use it to travel as much as they do for workouts. It has a wet pocket and a trolley case sleeve for slipping over your suitcase.
Odyseaco Pink Gym Bag ($17, originally $25)
Yes, crossbody bags exist for the gym, evidenced by this stylish neoprene option. It has a drawstring closure to keep its contents secure, a small inner zippered compartment, and an adjustable padded shoulder strap. One shopper who gave it a five-star rating described everything she was able to fit inside: “I’ve currently got my water bottle, gym shoes, and a few pairs of workout gloves in the bag and some other woman necessities and there is plenty of room on top of the shoes to put a folded change of clothes or one folded sweater/hoodie.”
WANDF Drawstring Backpack ($20)
If it’s been a while since you used a drawstring backpack, modern versions like this one are more spacious than you might remember. This one has a dedicated shoe compartment, a main compartment with zippered compartments, and two mesh side pockets for a water bottle or wet umbrella. Shoppers say it’s “extremely high-quality” and “very durable.”
Forestfish Duffel Bag ($22)
This might look like a shoulder bag at first glance, but it’s a unique hybrid between that and a duffel bag. It boasts a main compartment and a side compartment for your shoes, comes in five colors, and is constructed from waterproof nylon.
Beulptn Small Gym Bag ($22, originally $27)
We can’t get enough of this small duffel bag’s colorway. The pink and teal hues are a match made in heaven. It has a wet pocket, a shoe compartment, and multiple outer pockets, and it also comes with a separate toiletry bag, pictured in the accompanying image.
Adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag ($24, originally $30)
If you could do without all the features and prefer a tried-and-true, classic gym bag, this one might be your perfect match. It has one spacious main compartment, adjustable shoulder straps, and a small size that easily fits into lockers.
Metallic Women Stylish Gym Duffle Bag ($24)
If you love to make a statement when it comes to your style choices, this gym bag will do the trick. Whether you’re gifting it to a little one for ballet or yourself for workouts, it won’t disappoint. It contains an independent shoe compartment and a wet pocket to separate damp items from dry ones, not to mention it comes in so many fun colors.
Ceneda Large Gym Bag ($25)
We’re obsessed with the crescent shape of this gym bag. (It looks way more expensive than its $25 price tag, don’t you think?) It has a concealed yoga mat strap at the bottom, a zippered shoe compartment, and an internal wet pocket. Shoppers say it rivals the quality of a certain high-end fitness brand, but we’ll let you sleuth it out in the reviews section.
Sucipi Pickleball Bag ($28 originally $40)
Looking for a gym bag for tennis or pickleball workouts? This one has you covered. It has a main compartment that can fit your rackets and a change of clothes, along with smaller zippered pockets for earbuds and other little items needing a home, and a water bottle pocket on the side.
Ceneda 20″ Gym Duffel Bag ($29, originally $38)
This duffel bag isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s also super practical. It has all the features you crave, including a zippered wet pocket, a yoga mat strap holder, and a buckle to hold a yoga mat. Among our favorites is its air vent, which helps aerate your sneakers post workout.
ETRONIK Gym Bag ($30, originally $50)
Just when you thought you’d seen it all when it comes to cool gym bag features, this one comes along with a USB charging port. It’s ideal for those with phones often running on low battery, perfect for recharging while you break a sweat. It also has a separate shoe compartment, a luggage trolley strap, air vents, and more.
Cico Rider Sports Gym Bag ($30)
Workout-goers can’t speak any more highly about this gym bag’s numerous pockets. Let us explain: it has a main compartment as well as 10 (!) others. A shopper who rated it five stars wrote, “I’m obsessed with this for the gym. I love the fact that it has so many pockets/compartments for things. No more rummaging around in my bag for something because everything has a specific place/slot. I especially love the shoe compartment so I can pack shoes without an extra bag or case to make sure they don’t touch anything.”
BAGSMART Women Tote Bag Large Shoulder Bag ($33)
This gym tote is great for yoga lovers because it features a mat buckle that is easy to carry. Its other features include a side pocket for your water bottle, a front pocket, and water-resistant fabric. Choose from eight colors.
Ytonet Gym Backpack ($37)
Prefer a backpack over a tote or duffel? This one has a spot for everything. There’s a padded section for your laptop, a built-in USB charger, a shoe compartment, and so much more. It has a nearly perfect five-star rating, and shoppers praise its padded straps, roomy design, and multiple compartments.
Marisa Petrarca (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has over seven years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. She was previously the senior beauty editor at Grazia USA and the style and beauty editor at Us Weekly. Now freelancing, her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, Marie Claire, and more. When she’s not working on a story, you can probably find her testing the latest makeup, skin-care, or hair launches. Marisa lives in Saint Paul, MN, with her husband and their corgi, Cooper.
